Traditions of the Russian people

For the Russian people, its historical heritage is very important. Russian folk traditions and customs are observed for centuries for both rural residents and citizens. These include both Christian and pagan rites that have come into modern life since ancient times. Christianity gave the people Easter and Christmas, paganism affects the celebration of the Russians by Ivan Kupala and Pancake week. Christmas carols and wedding customs are also firmly embedded in modern life.

Traditions of the Russian people are especially observed during the celebration of Easter. Before the onset of this holiday, everyone bakes cakes and colors eggs. Not only believers, but also people far from religion, participate in this rite. At night, all gather Easter and dyed eggs in baskets, take all the food prepared for the holiday, and bring them to the church. The priest walks with a bucket and a broom, and, splashing holy water on the snack and parishioners, says: "Christ is risen!", And all people echo him: "Truly is risen!". This means the joy of the resurrection of Christ, which is celebrated on this day. Then everyone goes "break fast", that is, eat a fast food that could not be eaten during the whole Lent.

In winter, the traditions of the Russian people are especially evident in the celebration of the Nativity of Christ. Particularly interesting are carols, which are arranged on the night of January 7. People go to their homes, sing songs (carols), for which their owners thank and treat. Particularly fond of this tradition are children. They with special pleasure gather in small groups and go to caroling. Many people before the Christmas holiday in advance buy candy, biscuits, fruit in order to treat young guests. It is believed that they bring good luck to the house and well-being.

Traditions of the Russian people are interesting in celebrating the New Year - the favorite holiday of all, ranging from young to old. In children, the joy and anticipation of the holiday begins one more week before the New Year - on the day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. At night, parents hide in the sapozhok children gifts, which allegedly brought them Nicholas. Children, waking up in the morning, first of all run to look for gifts, have fun and are happy with the holiday. On New Year's Day it is customary to decorate the tree with the whole family. At night, everyone gathers at the Christmas tree at the festive table, makes wishes, congratulates each other, presents gifts.

Especially Russian customs affect the rite of baptism. Children are usually baptized in infancy. For the ritual of baptism, the parents of the child choose the godmother and father who, in the future, along with the parents of the baby, will bear responsibility for it and help throughout life. Usually godparents and real parents always maintain a warm and friendly relationship, and the godchildren for Christmas wear the so-called "supper" to their godparents. The kerchaks are wrapped in a scarf, the guests are folded, and the child is going to visit-bears a treat to his godparents. Those in return treat him and give gifts.

Very beautiful is the ceremony of the church wedding, which, honoring the Russian customs, is performed after the wedding by the newlyweds. It is believed that after the wedding, when the Lord will sanctify their relationship, and the young will live happily under the protection of the heavenly powers. Before the wedding, the groom "redeems" the bride from relatives, passing a lot of tests, which the bridesmaids arrange for him. This ceremony as it shows how much the bridegroom appreciates and knows his bride, as well as his desire for marriage. When the young people come home after the wedding, according to tradition, parents meet them on the threshold with bread and salt, wishing them happiness and longevity.

Traditions of the Russian people found an interesting manifestation in the celebration of Ivan Kupala. This is an echo of pagan rituals, so beloved by the people. On this day in the evenings dances and dances are arranged, they jump over the fire. The most daring of them go in search of a fern flower at night . People believed that anyone who finds this color will open all the happiness of life. No less favorite is the Carnival. Throughout the week, people bake pancakes, treat each other, ride a sleigh and arrange fisticuffs. This is the last week of fun and revelry, because the Great Lent is following it.